Putin strikes Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, monastery caves damaged

Cultural heritage sites at the National Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Reserve, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were damaged in a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on January 24.

The reserve said Building No. 66, the entrance to the Far Caves complex, and Building No. 67, the Conception Church, were damaged.

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra sites were damaged by a Russian “Shahed” drone during a nighttime attack on January 24. Police were called to the scene after debris fell, followed by specialists responsible for the Lavra’s caves, as fragments landed near their entrance. The blast may have affected underground structures.

“Specialists are currently assessing the damage. The entrance to the Far Caves is closed, although they have been closed for a long time. But the situation is not as bad as it could have been,” the reserve told TSN.ua.

The reserve said its director general, Maksym Ostapenko, would later present the damaged sites and provide further details on the attack and the condition of the UNESCO-listed monuments. Photos and video footage of the damage will be released later.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (8 photos)